President and CEO

YMCA
Salary
$280,000.00
$320,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The YMCA of Madison is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their...
Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE MADISON AREA YMCA

The YMCA of Madison is seeking an innovative, strategic and community minded individual to serve as its next President & CEO. The President & CEO will build trust and extend the breadth and depth of a YMCA’s reach across our service area. The President & CEO will lead collaborative efforts to grow and maintain productive working relationships in the community that enhances our reputation and furthers our mission and cause.

Candidates will have the leadership skills and experience necessary to execute our current strategic plan and then advance our mission into the next decade. 

Successful candidates will be able to share a strategic vision for future growth in our increasingly diverse service area. The growth strategy should reflect our historic strengths, the organization’s ability to grow on its own, and community partnership opportunities.

Candidates should have operational experience and a financial track record in one or more of the following areas: childcare and early childhood education, youth development and/or fitness and wellness programs across the age spectrum.  Also desired is experience with the following:

  • Attracting and retaining high-performing employees through recruitment of a diverse workforce, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and creating opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • Providing resources and support systems to assure broad access to Y programs and services for residents of all backgrounds and income levels in our service area.
  • Enhancing community wellness and wellbeing through programs and services that support the physical, psychological, and emotional health of all participants.
  • Philanthropic leadership is equally important as operational expertise, so that contributed income and community benefits keep pace with overall organizational growth.  Building on the Y’s relationships with grant-making foundations and major donors, the CEO will lead community development efforts with other nonprofit organizations, the faith community, and local governments.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF MADISON

Founded in 1873, the Madison Area YMCA operates two campuses:

The Family Center offers a broad range of fitness and wellness programs in a facility that consists of a multi-room fitness center, two swimming pools, a new multi-purpose gymnasium and a gymnastics center, plus spaces for enrichment activities.

The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center is the largest licensed childcare and preschool operation in NJ, service approximately 250 infants through preschool children.

Some Facts & Figures:

The service area consists of the NYC suburbs of Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township and Florham Park, and portions of surrounding towns, with a combined population approaching 60,000. Midtown Manhattan can be reached by train in an hour.

The Y has approximately 15,600 members and participants and expects $19 million of revenue in 2026.

At year-end 2025, long-term debt totaled $3.4 million (incurred as part of a $20 million expansion of the Family Center in 2021); cash and investments totaled $4.8 million.

There are approximately 120 FT benefited employees and 300 PT workers.

The Board of Directors currently has 27 members, and there are dozens of program volunteers and supporters.

The operating and capital budgets are based, in part, on the Y’s strategic plan, which the Board approved in September 2023, following more than one year of research, analysis and community outreach.  Staff and volunteers investigated and discussed ways to meet community needs and close service area gaps. From this work emerged a revised mission and three strategic priorities: well-being, belonging, and sustainable resources.

Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The Madison Area YMCA provides quality programs and services for physical and emotional well-being.  Guided by the core values of caring, honesty, responsibility, and respect, we aspire to be the center of a healthy community that includes and supports everyone.

Our Cause & Values
To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Culture:

  • The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.
  • Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
  • Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.
  • Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
  • Nurturing – We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
  • Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you

Current Key Strategic Initiatives: 

  • Improving the physical and emotional well-being of our service area.
  • Fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.
  • Assuring the organization has sustainable human and financial resources.

Membership: Total Number of Members: 15,600

Branch Information: 

  • The Family Center
  • The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center

Core Programs:

  • Aquatics
  • Childcare & Education
  • Competitive Teams (Basketball, Gymnastics, Swim, Artistic Swim, Volleyball)
  • Fitness
  • Gymnastics
  • Health & Wellness
  • Sports
  • School of Performing Arts
  • School-Age Child Care
  • Special Needs
  • Youth & Family Enrichment
  • Y Ninja Gym
  • Summer Camp
  • Madison Chatham Coalition (Prevention and Reduction of Youth Substance Abuse)
  • Project Community Pride (Youth & Teen Counseling)

Annual Support Campaign: 

  • Current Year Goal: $330,000
  • Prior Year’s Total: $320,000
  • Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: $110,000 
  • Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 341

Recent Capital Campaign: 

  • $10.5 million raised in fundraising
  • $1million used from our endowment
  • $5 million on loan

Kirby Center $1.6 million total cost of expansion with $450,000 raised

  • CEO Direct Reports: 
  • VP of Advancement, Marketing & Communications 
  • VP, Family Center Operations
  • VP, Finance
  • SVP, Strategic Management & Childhood Education
  • Executive Advisor, Organization Performance
  • Executive Advisor, Financial Performance

Board of Directors: 27 members with the following standing committees: 

  • Audit
  • Board & Leadership Development
  • Community Engagement
  • Investment
  • Finance & Risk Management
  • HR & Child Protection
  • Executive

Financial Snapshot:

  • Current Annual Budget Size: $19,125,283
  • Current Debt: $3,419,461
  • Current Endowment: $1,311,375
  • Last year operating net: $216,423
  • 2024 previous year operating net: $436,170
  • 2023 Previous year operating net: $279,638

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

The Y’s service area has approximately 60,000 people and consists of the Borough of Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, the Borough of Florham Park, Harding Township (including Gilette), and parts of Morris Township.  Our service are borders the service areas of the Summit Area YMCA, Greater Somerset County YMCA, Metro Y of the Oranges, and Morristown Area YMCA.
The communities that make up our service area feature charming small-town commercial districts, excellent schools, and exceptional parks and recreational opportunities.  Corporate employment is centered around health care, insurance, financial services, law, and consulting.  Residents are known for their support of education and committment to community service; local organizations want to partner with the Y. Strong local partners include faith-based institutions, libraries, schools, and a variety of non-profits dedicated to environmental conservation, community safety and wellness, food and housing assistance, and youth development.

Information Sites:

City/County Website: 

Chamber of Commerce

University/College

Hospital System

School System

Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates: 

  • Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience. 
  • Fiscally sound business management experience, with demonstrated oversight of budgets operating at or near $18M annually.
  • Minimum seven years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees. 
  • Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
  • Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review, and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economic and effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
  • Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
  • A proven record of advanced fiscal management practices (e.g., endowment, capital management).
  • Demonstrated success in developing relationships with grand-making foundations, corporations, government, schools, and others, cultivating major gift donors, leading to successful partnerships, and philanthropic impact.
  • YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Finance: The CEO oversees budgeting, reporting, investment management, and internal financial controls together with the finance team and several volunteer-led committees.  Overall financial results are managed and evaluated against a balanced budget, including full depreciation. The 2026 budget of $19 million breaks down into three, more-or-less equally sized sets of activities: membership, childcare and early childhood education, and programming (which includes contributed income).

Human Resources: The Y has been consistently recognized as one of the 100 best places to work in New Jersey.  The CEO and the HR Team rely on employee input and engagement data to recruit a diverse workforce, enhance job satisfaction, and retain and develop high-performing employees.  Equally important is working with the finance team to keep compensation and benefits at competitive levels.

Membership & Programming: The CEO spearheads a new initiative aimed at growing membership and participation within underserved groups.  This includes outreach and engagement with existing and new partners, such as senior centers, non-profit organizations, local governments, and school districts.  The goal is to align Y offerings, staff, and funding with the needs of the communities served by these partners. In particular, the Y’s relationship with Chatham Township has the potential to grow significantly in terms of facilities and programming.

Philanthropy: The CEO provides visible and dynamic leadership of our annual and capital campaigns and special events.  In addition, the CEO will work with the development team to explore ideas for building and growing the Y’s endowment.  The annual campaign provides financial assistance for childcare and membership, funds low-fee and no-fee programs, and supports expanded services for community well-being and belonging.  Growth in annual contributed income is an important near-term objective to serve more low-income working families with full-day preschool, summer camp, and after-school care.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key Competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $280,000- $320,000

Benefits:

  • YMCA Retirement (12% paid by Y, 0% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
  • YMCA 403B savings account 100% employee contribution
  • Health plan (86% or 75% paid by Y, 14% or 25% by employee) 
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): 206 hours/26 days per personnel policy
  • Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Identity Theft protection available

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

  • Resumes accepted through: June 12, 2026
  • Preliminary interviews scheduled: July 15, 2026
  • In-person interviews: September 8th and September 9th, 2026
  • New CEO on board (anticipated): November 1, 2026

*dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/madison-area-ymca-ceo  

QUESTIONS

Questions about the search process may be directed to Shaneé Jenkins, Senior Director, Executive Leadership-CEO Search, YMCA of the USA, [email protected], (O) 312-416-0852.

Questions about this YMCA may be directed to Paul Kieltyka, Vice President, Alliance Services, New Jersey YMCA Alliance, [email protected], (C) 908-447-1573.